Scriptually Where Did Pastoral Authority Come From?

[commonsense]

Originally Posted by Lost and Found

The shepherds of the Middle East do not use dogs. They don't drive the sheep from the back of the flock. Instead a shepherd in that area leads their flock by walking in front of them while speaking or singing to them. Remember, Jesus said that His sheep know His voice? A shepherd (pastor) is to speak the words (bread of Life - the Word of God) that the flock needs to grow by. And, as Paul said: "Follow me as I follow Christ!" So a true Christian leader is one who follows Christ. Such a leader is the only type that should ever be followed. A 'leader' who makes his own way or who drives from the rear is not to be followed.

The position of a true leader is always found at the feet of those they are called to serve. This does not mean that pastors are called to be slaves to all men, but that all that they do, like a servant, is to be filtered through serving the best interests of another, and NOT themselves. This is the way to see if a pastor is following Christ; see if they are more interested in what they can do for the other saint's callings, or if they are more interested in seeing what the other saints can do for their calling. A servant is to serve, and not to be served.

How did Jesus say you'd know His TRUE disciples...? By their Love! Love, not for themselves, but for others. This is no different for a pastor or any of the others in the five-fold ministry.

Well stated.

About 30 yrs ago in another city another state a young saint was concerned with the pastoral influence in his congregation. He did a lengthy study and it became a booklet. The primary topic, the role of a shepherd.

He shared his efforts with friends/saints in the church. Unfortunately this is not a fairy tale with a happy ending. The church suffered a large split and families left. The writer of this paper moved away and has not gone to church in many years. It even seemed to efffect the district. The sentiments in the paper were for the most part true ( I read a copy15 yrs later when we lived in this city.) So much of what we do is not the content but the delivery, approach, attitude and spirit. This young man's purpose was not to cause a split, he sincerely hoped to enlighten the pastor.